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Friday, July 1, 2011

Manila Walk: San Agustin Church in Intramuros

San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila is considered as the mother of all Philippine colonial churches.

It was our last weekend in Manila when we visited the historic San Agustin Church in Intramuros. Located in General Luna Street, it is only walking distance from Landbank Training Center in Cabildo St. where we stayed.

What struck me first upon seeing the church was its massive size. It was so huge that I could not frame the whole facade in my point-and-shoot camera. According to The Heritage Consevation Society, San Agustin Church is a significant monument to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, being the first religious structure built in the island of Luzon, after the Spanish relocated from Cebu in the south.

The wooden door with its ornate carvings. Unfortunately the church was closed when we were there so we were not able to explore its interiors.

Reading the National Historical Institute marker on the outside wall of the church, I learned that the San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines (and not Baclayon Church in Bohol, as I previously thought). Plans were approved in 1586, construction started in 1587 and was completed in 1607.

Aside from being the country's oldest stone church, San Agustin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , under the classification "Baroque Churches of the Philippines". It was also named as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government. The church contains the tomb of Spanish conquistadors Miguel López de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo and Martín de Goiti. Other important persons in Philippine history whose remains are housed within the church are painter Juan Luna and statesmen Pedro A. Paterno and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera.

Adjacent to the church is a museum which houses religious artifacts and art works dating back to the 16th century.

Unfortunately, the church was closed on that sunny Saturday morning so were not able to explore its interiors. There is a museum adjacent to the church but unfortunately (again!), we don't have budget for its entrance fee.

So after lingering for a few more moments outside the church we walked across the street and headed towards what look like another heritage structure in Intramuros. (To be continued)

Location map of San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila:

San Agustin Church is located along General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila (image from Google Map)

18 comments
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This is what the lady have referred to me. The San Agustine Church, while taking my breakfast in front of the training center, which unfortunately I was not able to visit this legendary church of the colonizers. Nice earl.:-).